Albion legend backs Irish striker to continue his form next season.

Shane Long can be the main man for West Bromwich Albion next season – provided he can stay injury free.

That’s the verdict of Baggies legend Cyrille Regis, who feels the club’s current No.9 is cut out to follow in
the footsteps of more illustrious players to have worn that shirt in the past.

Long has a punctuated year so far this season, mainly due to injuries.

The
Republic of Ireland man has scored nine goals for his club this season but his steady tally has been overshadowed by the explosive form of Romelu Lukaku during the latter half of this season.

Albion are looking at a potential overhaul of forwards this summer.

Marc-Antoine Fortune is out of contract, with Peter Odemwingie expected to be moved on.

Lukaku,
even if he is made available for another loan spell by Chelsea, will inevitably interest bigger clubs, potentially those playing in European competition.

Even if Lukaku
did return, Albion would only have Belgian Markus Rosenberg (who hasn’t scored once this season) and Long – necessitating at least one summer arrival.

But Regis, who wore the No.9 with distinction for seven years at The Hawthorns, feels Long is more than capable to rising to the challenge if more onus does fall on his shoulders.

But
maintaining fitness is imperative for Long, who has suffered from a series of problems throughout this season – many relating to his hamstring, although most recently he damaged his ankle.

Regis
said: “For me, the main issue with Shane Long hasn’t been his ability –
it’s that he seems to suffer with niggling injuries.

Albion legend Cyrille Regis

“He
has broken down a few times and that has hampered him this season – which is a shame for him because he’s never been able to get into a rhythm and get an extended run of games.

“He
will want that next year, especially if there is more reliance on him to feature in games. “A fit Shane Long is crucial to Albion in the way we play.

“He gives us a fantastic out-ball, especially when we knock balls over the top. He can hold it up well.

“He has proven he can be a force in the Premier League and now he has to prove he can stay fit too.

“If there is a big turnover of players then he is one who can emerge to play a key role for the club.”

Regis
was relatively lucky with injuries for most of his time at Albion – although he too suffered setbacks during his time at the club.

He
missed the early part of 1979-80 due to a pre-season injury, before missing out on the 1982 World Cup squad due to a problem late on during that season, despite being in the best form of his career at that particular time.

But it was another injury he recalls.

Regis
added: “I can identify with not being able to stay fully fit. I suffered a broken cheekbone in around 1982-83 and struggled with a series of problems during that season, mainly my hamstring and little other injuries.

“I never quite felt 100 per cent and it did affect my performances and even, at times, my confidence.

“I’m sure the Albion staff have been trying to manage Shane during this season.

“The
key for him is having a programme which enables his injury to be managed. Manchester United have done so with Rio Ferdinand and it’s made
a big difference to him. Fingers crossed Shane can stay fit next season
and play a big part for us.”

• Cyrille Regis will be at The Hawthorns on Saturday and will be available for photos and autographs in the special Barclays Pingit booth between 12.30-2.30pm.